On a recent trip we were strolling down Madrid's famous Gran Via late one night and suddenly came upon the uber fresh, unabashedly welcoming foyer at The Mint Hotel.

Being used to the seeing default design of grey furniture, linen upholstery and industrial lighting that has become text book retail design, I nearly choked on my churro at the sight of an actual color being unapologetically used in a commercial lobby, and a bright one at that.

The crisp minty green, colorful liquor bottle and crisp glass chandelier at the entrance instantly evoked the attitude of the hotel--innovative, creative and whimsical.  No subdued shades of grey upon shades of grey upon (yawn) shades of linen.  No burgundy walls with (double yawn) with tufted chesterfield sofas & vintage Parisian club chairs in distressed leather.  I was in love and quickly lured in.

The interior did not disappoint.  Instead of a grand lobby there were intimate, homey rooms with well designed lighting to encourage relaxing and lounging.

Tart splash of raspberry to keep the mint in line.

The library replete with it's own newspaper.